Are Acrylic Nails Safe During Pregnancy?

Is it safe to get acrylic nails during pregnancy?

It makes sense that when you’re pregnant, you want to limit your exposure to as many toxic chemicals and compounds as possible. And while there have been no controlled studies looking at the safety of artificial nails in pregnant women, consider how many chemicals are involved in applying, filling, filing and removing acrylic nails. You probably don’t want baby exposed to all that. Hilda Hutcherson, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University Medical Center says it’s best to hold off on acrylic nails until after the baby is born. (And even then, you may find that caring for a tiny, delicate creature is much easier without two-inch talons.) In the meantime, stick to the naturally buffed look or use a DBP-free, formaldehyde-free polish (there are plenty on the market!).

When you pop into your salon for a pedicure — and certainly, no one is suggesting you skip that — ask for a seat in a well-ventilated area, and if the fumes make you feel nauseated, definitely step outside.